100+ Super Fun Things to do with Your Kids in Florida

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Make memories that last a lifetime with these 100+ Super Fun Things to do
with Your Kids in Florida

Florida Manatee Festival
The manatee is Florida’s beloved gentle giant. If you've ever swam in one of our amazing Springs, you may have gotten to see a manatee up close (they are so cute!) The Florida Manatee Festival has arts and crafts, live music, a beer garden and live manatee viewing at the nearby Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River, FL.
Find out more about the Florida Manatee Festival

Visit one of Florida's amazing museums
Florida has a wide variety of great museums for families to choose from!
Click here to view our list of Museums in Florida
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Check out a Chalk Art Festival
Thanks to Florida's usually-sunny weather, most weekends you can find a Chalk Art Festival in at least one Florida town. These are fun to walk around with the kids!
Find a Chalk Art Festival near you

Visit a Zoo
Kids of all ages love the zoo! The zoo is a great place to visit because it is educational and a lot of fun. 
Click here to see our list of Florida Zoos and plan your trip today

If you're visiting the Melbourne, FL area we recommend checking out the Brevard Zoo

For those of you near Naples, FL we recommend visiting the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
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See a Circus
Sarasota, located south of Tampa, is known as the circus capital of the world. The annual Circus Sarasota Winter Performances, showcased in a one-ring, five-star European big top, have been acclaimed around the globe for world-class artistry and entertainment.
View event info for this year's Circus Sarasota Winter Performances
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Visit an Aquarium
Seeing sea life up close is always fascinating and it's also a great way to spend a day with your kiddo! 
Click here to find info on some of our great Florida Aquariums
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Spend a day at a Theme Park
Florida has so many amazing Theme Parks to choose from and they all are unique and so much fun! 
Be sure to visit our Theme Parks page to find ticket deals before you go!

We highly recommend Legoland for families with children under age 12.
We've been there multiple times and it is a family favorite!
Click here to read what we love about Legoland

​For families of all ages, we also highly recommend Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
With the little-kid-friendly Sesame Street Safari of Fun area, family-friendly entertainment & shows, walk-thru zoo, train ride, skyride, water rides and lots of high-energy roller coasters, there is fun for all ages!
Click here to read about Sesame Street Kids Weekends at Busch Gardens
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Go Bowling
Bowling is a timeless sport that always provides lots of laughs and fun! They even have ramps & bumpers you can use to make playing easier on the littlest bowlers. During the Summer months, don't forget to sign up for Kids Bowl Free - your kiddos can bowl 2 games a day Mon-Fri for FREE (bonus: parents can also purchase a $30 family pass which allows 4 adults 2 games each a day, Mon-Fri all Summer long too!) 
​Click here to read about Kids Bowl Free and how to sign up

Get tickets to Cirque du Soleil
Fill your night with amazement, wonder and watch the phenomenal gravity-defying stunts at Cirque du Soleil in Orlando! Click here to view special discounts for families including back to school deals at Cirque du Soleil Orlando

Get Up Close with Animals at a Petting Zoo
There are so many great places to up close with wild animals! One of our favorite places to visit is Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee. If you're going to be in South Florida, add this to your list of places to go - with up close animal encounters, splash park & lots of family-friendly activities the fun lasts all day long!
Click here to visit the Lion Country Safari website
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Visit the Kennedy Space Center
If your little one is fascinated with outer space and rockets, the Kennedy Space Center is the place to go! This unique tourist destination is always a family favorite.
Click here to visit the Kennedy Space Center website
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Check out a Sand Sculpting Festival
Florida is known best for its beautiful sandy beaches and everyone loves building sandcastles when they visit. Did you know that there are competitions every year where professional sand sculptors create huge art pieces made entirely of sand? This is a must see!
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater, FL
International Sand Sculpting Festival in Siesta Key, FL
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Take a Train Ride
​There is something so magical about going on a train ride. Even better, take your little one to one of these fun themed train rides at the Florida Railroad Museum (children under 3 are free!)
Visit the Florida Railroad Museum website
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​Tour an Art Gallery
There are many fabulous art galleries here in Florida but did you know there's also an amazing art gallery at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota? Best of all, they regularly offer generous discounts on kids admission and on Saturdays families can visit for FREE!
Visit the Ringling Museum website & reserve your FREE tickets for Family Saturdays
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Enjoy a special themed night at a restaurant
Many local restaurants offer family nights where families can participate in a fun, free activity and sometimes even get a discount on meals as well. Did you know that many Chic-fil-A restaurants offer FREE family-friendly crafts & activities? We love visiting Chic-fil-A because afterwards we can relax in the air conditioning with yummy food while the kiddos have fun playing in the indoor play area!
Visit Chic-fil-A website to find a restaurant near you
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Visit a Botanical Garden or Butterfly Garden
​There are plenty of great Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Gardens to choose from in Florida - for starters, check out the McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach and the Naples Botanical Garden right here in SWFL
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Take an Art Class Together 
Embrace your artistic side and have fun creating a unique piece of art at one of your local art venues! If you're in SWFL, we recommend Artopia's classes in Englewood! They offer Kids Art Classes every Saturday, Homeschool Kids Art Classes on Tuesdays, and special yearly "Mommy & Me" and "Daddy & Me" events.
Visit Artopia's website
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Go on a Boat Ride
In every beach-side city in Florida there are lots of charter boats and tour boats that offer family-friendly rides. Many offer discounted rates for children & free admission for little ones under 3. Fun tip: An evening boat ride during Christmastime can be extra special with a Christmas light tour!
View Christmas Light Canal Cruises in Punta Gorda, Florida

Attend a Sporting Event
It doesn't matter if it's high school, college or pro - all that matters is that your kiddo is into it and you two are enjoying your time with each other!
Need some ideas? Check out our Florida Sports page
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Visit Sky Zone
Trampolines, fun theme days, weekly discounts for kids - need we say more? 
Click here to find a Sky Zone near you
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Visit a Planetarium
Does your kiddo love nature & wildlife? A visit to a nearby planetarium may be something they'll love!
 This planetarium in Fort Myers even offers laser light kid's shows
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Go-Kart Races and more
Racing go-karts is so much fun! SWFL families will love Zoomers in Fort Myers, Florida - it's all day family fun with various kid-friendly rides, games and more. 
Visit Zoomers website
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Visit TreeUmph Adventure Course
This place is filled with some of the most daring, innovative adventure games you'll find anywhere outside your own imagination. Suspended logs, wobbly footbridges, ziplines and more!
Click here to visit TreeUmph Adventure Course website
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Visit a Children's Museum
It's the perfect place to take the kids (especially on rainy days) because everything is made to be touched, explored and played with! There are many awesome Children's Museums in Florida to choose from.
​Read what we loved about the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa
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See Pirates at Gasparilla Pirate Fest
 Bead-wielding pirates invade the City of Tampa during Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The event begins with a boat parade and brunch, a parade along Bayshore Boulevard and a street festival.
Click here to read about the Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Visiting Cocoa Beach? Check out Cocoa Beach Pirate Fest!

Visiting Fort Walton Beach? You may like the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

Visiting St. Augustine Beach? The Oldest City Pirate Weekend is fun for the whole family!

Visit RaptorFest
Visit St.Petersburg, FL during RaptorFest to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Florida’s sly and skilled birds of prey. This festival includes live animal encounters, tree climbing, tram tours, kids’ activities, art exhibits and a silent auction.
Click here to read more about RaptorFest
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Step Back in Time
Journey back to the 16th Century and step through castle gates into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, magic, jousting, the Lipizzan stallions, Irish dancing, archery and more at the Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach, FL.
View the Florida Renaissance Festival website

Cars, Cars, Cars
The Daytona 500 is one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races and draws families and fans from all over the world. There's a Sprint FANZONE, driver appearances and autograph sessions, entertainment, kids’ bounce houses, historic car displays and more.
Find ticket prices and event info for the Daytona 500

Florida International Air Show
This show in Punta Gorda, FL features amazing military and civilian aircraft, some doing death-defying stunts performed by some of the best pilots in the world. Also, enjoy an expanded aircraft exhibit, a kids’ area and great refreshments.
Read more about the Florida International Air Show

Visiting Northern Florida? You'll love the Blue Angels Homecoming Show

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
Cowboys and Cowgirls will love watching the saddle bronco riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and bull riding. There are kids’ events, too: mutton bustin’, calf scramble, barrel racing and steer and bull riding. This event is located in Arcadia, FL.
Click here to learn more about the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo
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Visiting Kissimmee, FL? Check out the Silver Spurs Rodeo.

Weeki Wachi Swamp Fest
Nothing says Florida swamp culture like fried alligator, black-eyed peas, folk dancers and singers and a “swamp monster contest” where kids and adults are dressed in elaborate costumes depicting moss-covered, slime-drenched creatures of the swamp!
View info for the next Weeki Washi Swamp Fest
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Florida Strawberry Festival
Plant City, FL - the Strawberry Capital of the World honors its most prized fruit by serving it on shortcake, in milkshakes, by the container or by the flat. There's also fun carnival rides, livestock shows, a fried candy bar truck and performances by nationally known headline artists.
Click here to read all about the Florida Strawberry Festival
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See Hot Air Balloons
The annual Balloons Over Paradise Festival in Immokalee, FL features 60 hot air balloons and all kinds of great entertainment. There's yummy food, arts & crafts, tethered balloon rides, a classic car show, dog agility performances, a polo exhibition and an equestrian drill team performance too.
View info for the next Balloons Over Paradise Festival
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Jets AND Hot Air Balloons
The Sun 'N Fun International Fly-In & Expo is a week long celebration of aviation and it's packed full of activities for everyone. Watch fighter jets soar and hot air balloons float after visiting entertaining and educational programs and expos in Lakeland, FL.
Click here to read more about the Sun 'N Fun International Fly-In & Expo
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Florida Blueberry Festival
Another beloved Florida fruit - the Florida blueberry - is celebrated at this annual festival in Brooksville, FL featuring blueberry desserts, blueberry wines, blueberry vinegars and jams, as well as a beer garden, dog show, car show and a Blueberry Kids Zone.
View info on the next Florida Blueberry Festival

Easter Surf Festival
Nothing says Easter in Florida better than an Easter Surf Festival! This unique event in Cocoa Beach, FL has something for everyone.  Along with various levels of surfing and skim board competitions, there’s an Easter egg hunt and a special sunrise service on the beach. 
Read more about the Easter Surf Festival

New Smyrna Beach Kite Festival
What better way to kick off the summer season than by flying a good old-fashioned kite with the kids? See kite demonstrations and kite club competitions, get free lessons by the pros, and best of all the kid's zone offers free kites to the first 400 children each festival day!
Click here to see info about the next New Smyrna Beach Kite Festival

​Visiting Miami? Check out the Annual Kiteober Fest!

Florida Kids & Family Expo in Orlando
All types of family-focused exhibitors from playground-makers to Girl Scouts to petting farms and everything in between -gather to display their goods and provide interactive fun for kids of all ages and their parents too. Teens can learn makeup techniques, kids can play laser tag and parents can learn more about party planning, daycare and other innovative offerings. Best of all, this event is indoors and air-conditioned.
Read more about the Florida Kids & Family Expo and how you can get tickets here
 

National Public Lands Day Scavenger Hunt
Gather the whole family to create a team and have fun exploring Lovers Key State Park in Ft.Myers Beach while you follow clues and take photos. Participants discover hidden gems of the park as well as making a positive impact on the environment while you have fun completing tasks together.  
Get all the info on National Public Lands Day Scavenger Hunt here

Riverwalk Fall Festival
Autumn may still be quite warm here in South Florida but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the beginning of Fall anyway! This annual festival in Fort Lauderdale, FL features fall-themed carnival games, activities and competitions, great live music and an assortment of vendors and food trucks.
Click here to learn more about the Riverwalk Fall Festival

Pioneer Days in Englewood, FL
This two week long celebration is packed with family-friendly activities such as cardboard boat races, a photo contest, a car show, a fish-a-thon, a chalk art festival, “Englewood’s Got Talent” and more. Then, on Labor Day morning, enjoy the Annual Pioneer Days Parade!
Read more about Pioneer Days here

Festival of Flight in Wesley Chapel, FL
Guests can take a ride on a helicopter, float through the air on a hot-air balloon, co-pilot a plane or just sit back and watch the beauty of colorful flying objects, including deltas, trikes and kites. This Wesley Chapel, FL festival brings together the pilot and aviation community with Florida families.
Click here to learn more about the Festival of Flight

Rock the Universe
Florida’s largest Christian music festival returns to Universal Studios, featuring some of the country’s best Christian rock and worship music bands and inspirational speakers. Guests can also join in a moving Candle Lighting Ceremony and a special Sunday Morning Worship Service. If you haven't attended Rock the Universe with your family yet, we highly recommend it!
Get all the info about this year's exciting performers and where to purchase tickets

Sarasota Pumpkin Festival
Sarasota, FL hosts a super fun all-things pumpkin weekend. Featuring pumpkin patch, pumpkin maze, carnival rides, pie-eating contests, hay rides, 100 live shows, kids’ zone, Live Ninja Turtle show, pony rides, petting zoo, circus and a tricky-dog show.
Read more about the Sarasota Pumpkin Festival
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A Christmas Lovers Dream Come True
National Geographic chose historic St.Augustine's Night of Lights as one of the 10 best holiday lighting displays in the world! Come see millions of twinkling lights while you stroll down the beautiful brick streets and tree-lined sidewalks. Got a busy schedule during the holidays? Don't worry - this gorgeous display is up for nearly two months every year!
View all the info about Night of Lights

Visiting Northern Florida? Beach Home for the Holidays in Panama City Beach

Visiting Miami? Santa's Enchanted Forest in Miami
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Visiting Ft.Myers? Holiday Nights at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates 

Visiting Punta Gorda? Festival of Lights at Fisherman’s Village

Visiting Hallandale? Symphony of Lights at the Village of Gulfstream Park

Visiting Ft.Lauderdale? Check out Christmas on Las Olas  and Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Visiting Hollywood? Hollywood Beach Candy Cane Parade

Visiting Islamoranda? Islamorada Holiday Festival

Visiting Tampa? Santa Fest

Visiting New Port Richey? Main Street Holidays

Visiting St. Petersburg? Pinellas Pioneer Settlement Christmas Jamboree
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Even More Super Fun Things to do with Your Kids in Florida:

Have a Fancy Night Out 
Get dressed up in your fanciest clothes and get dinner at a nice restaurant. 


Go See a Movie
 There's always a family-friendly movie option at the movie theater! Splurge for some popcorn or nachos and make it an extra special treat for your kiddo.

Did you know that Regal Theaters offer 50% off popcorn every Tuesday to members of their FREE Regal Crown Club, plus all points earned can be used towards concession purchases, movie merchandise or free tickets?
Click here to sign up for FREE Regal Crown Club & start saving today!


Visit an Arcade 
Grab some cash and take your kiddo to a local arcade for hours of games & fun! Our kids love seeing how many tickets they can earn and are always super excited to choose their prizes at the end of the day.
Click here to find an arcade near you


Spend a day at a Water Park
With Florida's warm, tropical temperatures almost all year long you can't go wrong spending a day with your kiddo at a Water Park. 
Check out Universal's new Volcano Bay Themed Water Park


Go to a Concert
Look up your child's favorite singer/band and purchase tickets for an upcoming concert. You'll have so much fun singing and dancing with your kiddo during the show!
Click here to view upcoming family-friendly concerts & entertainment


Go to a Play or Show 
It doesn't matter if it's Paw Patrol Live, the Nutcracker Ballet or somewhere in between. There are so many great shows all over Florida for every age! 
Click here to view upcoming family-friendly shows


Sign up for Classes or Lessons
Try something new! Doing new things together can be a lot of fun - whether it's a craft class, martial arts, musical instruments, yoga, learning a new language, the possibilities are endless!
Check out this Family Martial Arts Class in Orlando


​Make it a weekend
What's better than a day of fun? A weekend of course! 
Check out Legoland Beach Retreat


Go to a Rollerskating Rink
Lace up those rollerskates or rollerblades and have a great time skating around to fun, energetic music together!
Click here to find a Rollerskating Rink near you


Explore a New Town
Adventure is calling! Plan a one-tank-gas trip to another city that you haven't been to yet. Have fun exploring the town together and then stop for lunch at one of their hometown restaurants or diners!
We love exploring St.Augustine, Florida - click here to see why


Start a Little Garden 
This one is a fun, ongoing activity. Pick a spot in your yard to create a garden that you and your child will regularly maintain together. Let your child help you put the garden together & choose what you will grow in it (veggies are always fun!) Over the weeks, have fun chatting with each other as you tend your little garden together. If you grow fruit or veggies, perhaps you and your little one can make a special dinner featuring your home-grown fruits or veggies to share with the rest of the family!
Click here to read the University of Florida's Vegetable Gardening Tips by Season


Kid's Choice 
Set a price limit then let your child read over our list of 100+ Things to do with Your Kids in Florida and then let them help plan an upcoming fun day that fits within the budget!
Save $ - visit our Specials & Deals page


Attend a Formal Mommy/Son or Father/Daughter Dinner & Dance 
Check your local event centers for upcoming mommy/child dinner dances - most towns hold them once or twice a year.
Check out this upcoming Mommy/Son Dance in North Port, FL (September)
Check out this upcoming Father/Daughter Dance in North Port, FL (October)


Create an Inspiration Book
Grab some cameras & explore nature together. Take pictures of everything that you find beautiful and inspiring. Put the pictures into an album. Leave room next to each image so you & your child can hand-write a small note of the memory behind that picture, or why that picture is special to you.
 Walmart & Shutterfly offer great photo books at reasonable prices!


Design Custom Printed T-shirts
Grab your art supplies and have fun making your own custom design on a 8x11 sheet of paper. Once your artwork is dry, you can scan it and upload it to VistaPrint.com to create your very own custom printed t-shirts! 


Design Your Own Clothes at Home
This one is super fun! Purchase some plain shirts, hoodies, canvas shoes, canvas tote bags, or cooking aprons (just to name a few - the possibilities are endless!) then have fun using fabric paints or fabric markers to create your very own custom clothes together!​​
We love the selection at Hobby Lobby


Spa Night 
Make reservations at a nice day spa for an afternoon of pampering with your little one!
Check out these great spa & beauty deals on Groupon


​Make Mommy & Me Jewelry
Remember when you used to make friendship bracelets as a child? Do something like that but instead turn it into a "mommy & me" theme!
Read How to Make a Friendship Bracelet
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Cook Together
Cooking & baking is educational (think measuring, time management, etc) and it also a lot of fun! Together you can cook your child's favorite meal, dinner for the whole family, or perhaps a dessert to share with an elderly neighbor.
Check out these fun Cooking with Kids recipes


Late Night Movie at Home (Streaming)
Let them stay up a little later than usual so you can snuggle up in bed and watch a movie or their favorite cartoon together.
We love Amazon Prime's selection of Family Movies


Rent a Movie
 You can rent a FREE movie at your local Library or get one for under $2 at a Redbox kiosk. Pop some popcorn or make your favorite snack and then cuddle up on the couch for a fun movie date at home.
Click here to find a library near you
​Click here to find a Redbox kiosk near you


Ice Cream Date
 Every child loves ice cream, right? Take your little one out for an ice cream treat and have a nice chat while you sit and eat.
We just adore the friendly, retro atmosphere at Made in the Shade in Englewood, FL


Home Ice Cream Date
Make big sundaes or create your own milkshake / smoothies together! Our family's homemade favorites are chocolate-banana and vanilla-strawberry milkshakes. Save $ - We think Publix brand ice cream is as good (if not better) than the more expensive name brands plus they have a great selection of fresh fruit to make your ice cream treat even more delicious.
Click here to find a Publix near you


Paint Together
You can buy 2- and 3-packs of blank canvases at Walmart for under $5. Grab a bunch of paint & sit down together to create some fun & unique masterpieces! 
Check out these art supplies at Walmart

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Write a Book
Staple a bunch of sheets of blank paper together and then create a silly story together. With each page, take turns adding to the story and see how silly you can get! You can also draw pictures to add to your story. Did you know that you can buy a whole pack of oversized paper or construction paper at the Dollar Tree for just $1? The Dollar Tree also has lots of markers, crayons, pencils, stickers and everything you need to make your book perfect!
Find a Dollar Tree near you


Create Your Own Chalk Art
Grab a bunch of chalk and have fun drawing all over the driveway or sidewalk! We like to draw outlines of each other and then make them into the silliest "Chalk Mom" and "Chalk Kid" characters. We even make chalk characters of our pets, too!
Find Inspiration at one of these Florida Chalk Art Festivals


Play Board Games
Break out Hi Ho Cherry-O, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Bingo, Pie Face, Operation, Connect 4, Monopoly or whatever other family-fun board game you like!
Check out Hasbro Gaming's selection of super fun Family & Kid's Games


Create with Play-Doh
Sit down at the table and get creative with play-dough! What are you going to make? Bonus idea - Take turns making something and see if the other can guess what it is in 3 guesses or less! 
Visit the Play-Doh official website


Make Cards
 Make beautiful cards to send to someone. You could send them to grandparents, family or friends who live far away, to thank Police / Fire Fighters / Military members, to lonely elderly patients in nursing homes ... the possibilities to share a little kindness are endless!
 We adore these Made by Hands Make Your Own Thank You Notes and Made by Hands Make Your Own Cards


Go For a Drive
 Sometimes all you need is to just get out of the house. Take a nice long, scenic drive together and talk about whatever they want to talk about or play their favorite music and sing as loud as you can together!
Check out Crazy Family Adventure's THE ULTIMATE FLORIDA ROAD TRIP: 31 PLACES NOT TO MISS


Go to the Playground
 Embrace your inner child and have fun swinging, running and playing at the playground with your little one!
Find a playground near you with this Playground Buddy app


Play a Sport
 It doesn't matter whether or not you're good at it. All that matters is that you're showing an interest in the sport your kiddo likes & giving them some quality time alone with you. Shoot hoops, kick the soccer ball, play miniature golf, play catch ... just give it a try and watch the big smile on your little one's face as you play together!
Find tons of info about playing sports with kids at Kids-Sports-Activities.com


Make Music
Whether or not you're musically inclined, this is always a lot of fun with the kiddo! Turn on some music, dance around, play your instruments & pretend you're real rock stars. You can use real instruments, toy instruments or even make your own instruments out of household items!
Check out this super cute musical instrument kit for kids by Melissa & Doug


Go on a Library Date
 Take your little one to your local library. Most libraries offer free kid's workshops, classes and fun family activities that you can enjoy together! Or you can just enjoy a quiet afternoon snuggling together and reading as many books as you possibly can.
Click here to locate a public library near you


Lunch Date
Most restaurants offer a lunch menu that is much less expensive than the dinner menu. Or, you can go out for Fast Food. Either way, it's nice to enjoy a lunch date with your little one. 
Read this list of 20 Kid-Friendly Restaurants That'll Make Your Life So Much Easier by Women'sDay Magazine


Go to the Beach
 Florida has almost 1200 miles of coastline and over 600 miles of beaches - all you have to do is pick a beach, grab a towel & some SPF, then head out for a fun day in the sun! 
Click here to visit our Florida Beaches page


Search for Shark's Teeth
You read that right. Did you know the beaches in Boca Grande, Englewood and Venice are known for being the best beaches to find shark's teeth? We've visited these beaches many times and have always left with a handful of dime-sized shark teeth! 
Read about Venice, Florida the Shark Tooth Capital of the World 

Can't make it to Venice or Boca Grande? The kiddos may have fun with this Shark Tooth Dig Kit by National Geographic


Build Something
 Home Depot offers free Kid's Workshops on the first Saturday of every month. They provide all the materials for an easy-to-build wooden craft, tools & paint - all you need to do is show up and have fun helping your little one! Note: Although the Kid's Workshop is free, Home Depot requires prior registration in order to make sure they have enough supplies. 
Click here to find your local Home Depot & register your child for the next workshop. 


Go Old-School
 Last Christmas we got a Classic Nintendo and we have had so much fun playing "old-school games" (as our 6 year old says) together. Whether it's the Wii, Nintendo, or something else entirely - sometimes it's fun to just embrace your inner kid and play family-friendly video games together!
We love this Nintendo Classic Edition 


Go for a Walk
 Florida has warm sunny weather most of the year, which is why it is called the "Sunshine State." You can go for a walk at one of our many parks, walking trails, beaches or simply take a long stroll around your neighborhood. 
Check out VisitFlorida's list of Top 10 Hiking Trails in Florida


Go for a Bike Ride
Take advantage of one of Florida's many bike trails or just go for a bike ride around the block a few times together. Don't have a bike? That's OK! Lots of towns offer low-cost or free bike rentals.
Find bicycle rental locations near you


Visit a State Park
 Florida is filled with thousands of acres of beautiful wildlife. 
Click here to find a State Park near you and have fun discovering "Real Florida" together!


Go on a Picnic
 Have a picnic at the park, in the backyard or even in the livingroom!
Your little ones will love these Kid-Approved Lunches


Go Camping
It doesn't matter if you're camping at a park, at a campground or in the backyard - snuggling up under the stars with your little one is always special.
Check out VisitFlorida's article on Florida Camping


Try Something New
Teach your little one something new or let them teach you something they recently learned. Or attend a fun family-friendly event that you haven't been to yet!
Click here to view our FREE SWFL Family Events Calendar!


Think Science
 There are so many fun (and safe!) science experiments you can try together and most you can do with ingredients you may already have in the house.
Looking for kid-friendly science experiments you can try? Click here!


Dollar Tree Shopping Spree
 Set a budget of $5 or $10 and take your kiddo on a shopping spree at the Dollar Tree! 
Find a Dollar Tree near you


Play Card Games
There are lots of fun card games out there - Go Fish, Uno, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, War...just to name a few!
Have a Nerf War. Little boys will especially love this one! Get out the Nerf guns and bullets and have fun running all over the house or yard as your play Nerf War with each other.
Read Kidspot's list of 12 Classic Card Games to Teach Your Kids


Water Balloon Fight
 A water balloon in the backyard is a great way to share lots of laughs with your little one -- AND cool down on hot Summer days!
We LOVE Bunch O Balloons Quick Fill Self-Sealing Water Balloons!


Go Swimming
 If you don't have a home pool, visit your local community center or YMCA for a day of fun in the sun! Admission is usually under $5 per person. 
Click here to find a YMCA near you
 


Play with a Slip N' Slide / Sprinkler
Slip n' slides are still lots of fun - you can either buy one or make your own out of a tarp, liquid dish detergent and a water hose! There are also tons of great Sprinklers out there these days... be a kid again and have a fun afternoon running through a cold sprinkler with your kiddo in the yard!
You may like this double Slip N' Slide for under $18 or this $16 Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler Outdoor Sprinkler


​Just Play Together
Fully immerse yourself in your child's world of play and imagination! Let them take the lead and play along. You'll be amazed at all the creative things your little one comes up with! 


Stay Up After Dark & Stargaze Together
This is a favorite, super simple mommy & me date idea that my boys love! After dark we go outside & lay down side by side on a blanket, then quietly talk as we look at the stars and try to spot the planets, satellites and constellations.
Check out this awesome stargazing app or you may also like this list of free stargazing apps


Sandcastle Challenge
Fill a bag with small shovels, cups & buckets and head to your local beach for a fun mommy & me sandcastle challenge! Make the biggest sandcastle ever... or try something new and see if you can make a sandcastle that looks like a turtle or shark!
Read Redbook's How to Build the Best Sandcastle with Tips from the Pros


Bird/Wildlife Watching
Family days can be peaceful and quiet too - all that matters is that your little one is having fun with you! If your child loves watching wildlife, grab a couple pairs of binoculars and head to your local park or wildlife preserve and see how many cool creatures you can spot! (Tip: Have your little one write down or draw every creature they see in a journal & let them add to it every time they see something new.)
We found these cute kid's bird watching binoculars and beginning bird watcher's book with stickers



Taco Tuesday
 Tacos are one of the easiest meals to make & most kids love taco night! Make a date out of it by cooking together and letting your little one help you as much as possible. Once the cooking is finished, enjoy your delicious dinner for two!
Check out these 57 delicious taco recipes on Delish.com


Tea Time
 Dress up in your fanciest clothes, make some yummy tea and cookies or finger foods and sit down together for a fun tea time date. This date idea is especially fun if you use your child's little table and chairs & allow them to "invite" their favorite stuffed animal or doll.
We adore this little tea set


Go Horseback Riding
 There are lots of great places in Florida that offer horseback rides for both kids and adults. Not sure who to call? Try calling a local petting zoo - they usually offer horseback rides - but even if they don't they will know who does in your area!
​Find deals on Groupon for horseback riding near you


Visit a Fruit or Veggie Farm
Some farms offer a "pick your own" approach to purchasing berries or other yummy fruits/veggies. We think it'd be so fun to spend an afternoon picking some yummy berries & then bring the them home to bake together in a delicious pie or fruit smoothie!
Find a Florida Pick-U Farm near you


Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
 Bring a little bit of cash and have fun letting your little one search for the perfect treasure(s) to buy! We recommend stopping by your local Humane Society Thrift Store, Salvation Army or other local Animal Shelter thrift store - they always have some really cool, unique things and proceeds go to a good cause!


Store Scavenger Hunt
 Print our Store Scavenger Hunt List before you go and then see how fast you can work together to check off everything on this list! 
Click HERE to view our printable Store Scavenger Hunt List!


Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
 Print our Outdoor Scavenger Hunt List before you go and then see how fast you can work together to check off everything on this list (This is especially fun to do at a local park on one of Florida's amazing, sunny afternoons!) 
Click HERE to view our printable Outdoor Scavenger Hunt List!


Coffee/Hot Chocolate Date
 Sometimes the best mommy & me date is super simple. Sneak away for an hour or two with your little one and head over to your local coffee shop to sit, snuggle and chat while you drink Coffee (hot chocolate or a smoothie for the little one of course) together.
We love Duncan Donuts Hot Chocolate (and we think you will too!)


Play I Spy
 Again, super simple date idea but this is one of my son's favorites! You can do this in the backyard, the park or pretty much anywhere. Bring a picnic blanket and sit down together for a fun game of I Spy. Take turns and see who can correctly guess the answer in 3 guesses or less!
How to play I Spy


Star in a Cooking Show 
Want to get the kiddo laughing? Prep the ingredients for a simple dish or dessert then record your very own cooking show together! You can just be yourselves or choose to use silly voices or wear silly costumes - all that matters is it's fun! There are no mistakes - keep the phone set to record and just go with the flow. This ALWAYS gets us laughing and the videos afterwards are priceless!
Your little star will love these adorable chef aprons & chef hats


Be an Artist
 ​Paint or draw each other's portraits or paint/draw the two of you doing your favorite activities together. It doesn't matter how good you are - all that matters is that you're having fun doing it!
We love these super fun kids DIY art projects!


Fly a Kite
 Kites can be found for under $5 at most stores (we've also seen them at the dollar store during  Spring/Summer!) Flying a kite together is a simple, timeless activity that is always fun to do!
Check out this cool design-your-own-kite kit!


Build a Fort
  Another of my son's favorite mommy & me dates! Grab the blankets and arrange the furniture so you can make a fun fort together. Once the fort is complete, bring in some flashlights and maybe even a couple board games (or let your kiddo lead the way on a fun imaginary adventure!)
View cool indoor kid's forts


​Squirt Gun War
 A squirt gun war in the backyard is a great way to share lots of laughs with your little one -- AND cool down on hot Summer days!
Our kiddos love these backpack squirt guns on Amazon


Lego / Block Building
 Sit down together and have fun seeing what awesome things you and your little one can create!
Find inspiration with these amazing Lego creations


Spa Night In
 Little girls especially love this one! Dress in your snuggliest pjs and slippers then have fun sipping on smoothies while you give each other facials and manicures/pedicures. (Before your Spa Night In, you can find lots of great beauty facial/mani/pedi stuff at the dollar store or in the dollar aisle at retail stores!)
Click here for Pampering on a Budget tips
​

Play with Bubbles
 Kids LOVE bubbles! There are so many great bubble toys out there that you can easily make an entire mommy & me date just having fun playing with bubbles together. 
Check out this lighted bubble gun that my boys absolutely love to play with!


Have Fun at a Splash Park
Florida has tons of great FREE splash parks & splash pads! 
Click here to see our list of Free Splash Parks from Naples to Tampa!​


Take a Trolley Ride
 For just 75 cents per person you can take your little one on this relaxing and scenic Trolley Ride!

Thanks for reading!
We'd love to hear from you -- Comment below to share with us your favorite things to do with your little ones here in the Sunshine State!

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